Kobo recently released several new e-readers, including color versions of the Libra 2 and Clara, as well as an updated monochrome version of the latter. However, after testing these devices, it seems that there is little reason for most users to switch.
Starting with the color editions, the Clara Colour and Libra Colour both use E Ink’s latest Kaleido 3 display. While there have been improvements in color reproduction compared to previous iterations, the vibrancy is still lacking. The colors appear washed out, making it difficult to fully enjoy comics and websites on these devices. Additionally, the small size of the 6″ screen, similar to a pulp paperback, makes reading comics with small text and zooming and panning features clumsy. The color option may be more suitable for children’s books.
That being said, credit should be given to the wide variety of colors that the screen can display. Although desaturated, the shades are discernible. However, this does not change the fact that the color screens are dimmer and harder to read, with a slightly degraded reading experience.
Moving on to the larger Libra Colour, the extra inch does provide a bit of extra readability, but the screen itself is not different from the Clara Colour. Therefore, opting for the color version just for the option is not recommended, as it actually makes black and white content worse. When comparing side by side with the Clara Colour and BW, as well as the year-old Clara 2E, it becomes evident that the color layer darkens the entire display slightly, reducing contrast and making it more difficult to read.
In light of these findings, it is difficult to recommend the color versions of these readers unless there is a specific use case where desaturated colors and a slightly degraded reading experience are not a major concern.
On the other hand, the monochrome version of the Clara e-reader, known as Clara BW, is the new default recommendation. While it may not significantly outperform the Clara 2E, it does offer modest improvements at a lower price point. The Carta 1300 series screen provides slightly better contrast and page-turning speeds. Although the speed improvement is noticeable when rapidly tapping through pages, it is not significant in ordinary use. The clarity and contrast are about equal to the Clara 2E, with a slight advantage going to the new device. Additionally, the Clara BW does not have the issue of crashing when plugged into a computer, which was a common problem with the Clara 2E.
Overall, the Clara BW is considered the most practical e-reader on the market for most people, priced at $130 without ads. It allows users to sideload fonts and documents, has a built-in library app, and offers plenty of room for customization and hacking. However, if one already owns a Clara 2E or Clara HD, the upgrade may not be worth it, as the type quality has not improved significantly in recent years.
To protect the e-reader, it is recommended to purchase Kobo’s faux-leather “sleep cover,” which also functions as a stand. The Cayenne Red color is suggested to prevent misplacement. Spending an additional $30 on the cover is well worth it for the added protection and convenience.
